North Melbourne have reluctantly accepted onballer Jack Ziebell’s four-match ban from the AFL Tribunal.

North have confirmed they won’t appeal Ziebell’s suspension for rough conduct over his high hit on Carlton player Aaron Joseph in their match last week.

It was Ziebell’s second ban in 12 months after a suspension late last season for leaping into St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt.

North rolled the dice unsuccessfully with Ziebell, and could have accepted a three-match ban with an early guilty plea.

But North remain strenuous in their defence of Ziebell’s playing style despite the suspension and decision not to appeal.

“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome, but unfortunately given the case and the circumstances, there are no grounds for us to appeal the decision,” North chief of football Donald McDonald said on Wednesday.

“It’s now important that we support Jack and reiterate we are extremely proud of the way he plays.

“He’s a proven ball player and we believe his only intention in this situation was to win the ball in the contest.”

The loss of Ziebell, one of the Kangaroos’ best midfielders, won’t help their hopes of making finals.

North, who sit just outside the top eight, take on Richmond at the MCG on Sunday in a vital match towards shaping the finals.